Darth Vader costume expected to raise £230,000 at auction

An original Darth Vader costume is expected to sell for up to £230,000 when it
is put up for auction next month.

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The costume is thought to have been made for the second Star Wars film - The Empire Strikes Back - in 1980

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The original Darth Vader costume on display at Christie's auction house in LondonPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

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A percentage of the proceeds from the sale, at Christie's auction house in London, will be donated to Cancer Research UKPhoto: REUTERS

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The character was played in the original films by Dave Prowse but American actor James Earl Jones provided the voice as Prowse's West Country accent was felt to be unsuitable for the part of the evil Vader

The outfit, including the famous black helmet and mask, is thought to have been made for the second Star Wars film - The Empire Strikes Back - in 1980.

Neil Roberts, head of the popular culture department at Christie's, said: ''Darth Vader is defined by his costume, which has made him one of the most recognised characters from the history of film.

''The global appeal of the Star Wars films, and the interest that the series has attracted from a number of generations, is perhaps unprecedented in the world of cinema.

''Christie's have sold some incredible relics from popular culture in the past from Dorothy's red slippers from The Wizard Of Oz to a dress made for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's; arguably the Darth Vader costume is the most iconic of all.''

The character was played in the original films by Dave Prowse but American actor James Earl Jones provided the voice as Prowse's West Country accent was felt to be unsuitable for the part of the evil Vader.